GORGOROTH biography

1993-

Biography

When we talk about Black Metal in its traditional and old school way, we may go back for one decade, when especially in Norway a new scene started to form and develop. It was the time when Burzum, Darkthrone, Mayhem and Immortal came up with their first records and created a completely new feeling about Black Metal, inspired by legendary bands such as Venom, Celtic Frost and Bathory. At around the same time, another unique, raw and aggressive band was formed under the Tolkien inspired band name Gorgoroth. Like in "Lord Of The Rings"; Gorgoroth stands for a complete dark and unholy place. The band never compromised and followed their own way since their foundation in 1992. With their sixth and newest record "Twilight of the Idols" Gorgoroth once more demonstrate why they belong to the elite of Norwegian Black Metal and continue to set new standards even today. It's an unholy creation of the black, occult and satanic way, for which Gorgoroth is famous for. They always stayed true to and connected with the Underground, remaining far away from becoming commercial, always true and honest with themselves. It is an album that deserves the stamp "True Norwegian Black Metal"! Feel the darkness and enjoy the "Forces Of Satan Storms" coming over you...

In 1994 Gorgoroth released their cult album "Pentagram" and soon became one of the leading acts of the growing scene. "Antichrist", their follow-up release, was even more successful and featured Frost (Satyricon) on drums. The album made a strong impact and consequently led to the bands first live performances in Norway and England (with Cradle of Filth) and finally to their first tour in 1996 with Dissection and Satyricon. With yet another drummer in their ranks, Gorgoroth recorded "Under The Sign Of Hell" and later prepared their first European Headliner-Tour. Nuclear Blast was highly impressed and felt a desire to court the band; by 1998 Gorgoroth had been added to Nuclear Blast's official band roster. The first result of this new marriage was "Destroyer". The band now featured Gaahl on vocals, whose grim and aggressive voice led them to another level. A tour with Cradle of Filth followed, as well as plenty of festival and headlining shows. In 2000 "Incipit Satan" was recorded at Sunlight Studios and showed a new era in the realm of Gorgoroth. The songs, while a bit more refined and far more mature, still maintained their custom unyielding bestiality.

It took another three years, until the follow up to "Incipit Satan" was recorded. After the departure of guitar player Tormentor, Gorgoroth continue on as a four piece, adding another guitar player when it comes time for touring and live shows. "Twilight of the Idols" shows Gorgoroth from several sides and could possibly be the darkest chapter in their career. Finally it is traditional Black Metal of Norwegian origin, performed by the ones who know how it works and who do it the best.

1992:
• Formed by Infernus, Goat and Hat

1993:
• Kjettar joined as session bass-player
• Released the demo "A Sorcery Written in Blood"

1994:
• Signed on Embassy Records
• Samoth joined as session bass-player
• Released "Pentagram"
• Goat left
• Frost joined as session drummer

1995:
• Hat left
• Pest joined on vocal

1996:
• Signed on Malicious Records
• Released "Antichrist"
• Storm joined as live bass-player
• Grim joined on drums
• Ares joined on bass
• Released "The Last Tormentor"
• Tormentor joined on guitar

1997:
• Released "Under the Sign of Hell"
• Pest left
• Grim left

1998:
• Signed on Nuclearblast
• Vrolok joined as session drummer
• Gaahl joined on vocal
• Released "Destroyer"
• Ares left

1999:
• Sjt.Erichsen joined on drums
• King ov Hell joined on bass

2000:
• Released "Incipit Satan"
• Sjt.Erichsen left
• Kvitrafn joined on drums

2002:
• Tormentor left

2003:
• Released "Twilight of the Idols"
• Apollyon joined as live guitarist